Shown Here:Conference report filed in House (07/29/1981)

(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 97-208)

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 - Title I: Agriculture, Forestry, and Related Programs - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Reductions and Other Reductions in Authorization for Appropriations - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to redefine the term "household" for the purpose of such Act. Excludes boarders from certain food stamp eligibility requirements. Provides for an annual adjustment, beginning October 1, 1984, of the thrifty food plan. Makes the household income eligibility standard 130 percent of the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, except for households with elderly or disabled members.

Increases the standard deduction in computing income for eligible households and the excess shelter expense deduction for such households.

Revises retrospective accounting procedures to calculate income for households that derived their income in a period shorter than a year.

Prohibits a household from receiving an increased allotment as the result of a decrease in income due to a member of such household being on strike.

Revises the procedures for eligibility disqualifications and claims collections.

Repeals the increases in dependent care deductions for working adults and medical deductions for the elderly and disabled.

Converts the food stamp program in Puerto Rico into a food assistance block grant, effective October 1, 1982.

Reduces authorizations of appropriations for other specified Department of Agriculture programs for fiscal years 1982 through 1984.

Establishes a ceiling on the total number of employees that the Department of Agriculture may employ during the fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984, including a ceiling for overtime for such Department.

Subtitle B: Reduction in Direct Spending - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set forth the procedure for the determination of the milk price support (between 75 percent and 90 percent of parity) at the beginning of each of the 1982 through 1985 marketing years. Provides for semiannual adjustments in such supports for marketing years 1983 through 1985.

Makes the farm storage facility loan program discretionary after September 30, 1981.

Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to require the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service to charge and collect reasonable inspection fees to cover the estimated cost of official inspection, except under certain circumstance (such costs are now shared or borne totally by the Federal Government). Prohibits the total administrative and supervisory costs for inspection and weighing, for each of the fiscal years 1982 through 1985, from exceeding 35 percent of the total costs for such activities. Authorizes appropriations as necessary for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 for other specified activities related to grain inspection.

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an advisory committee to advise the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service with respect to the efficient and economical implementation of the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976.

Amends the United States Cotton Standards Act, the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act, the Tobacco Inspection Act, and the United States Warehouse Act to require the collection of such fees and charges as will cover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of: (1) licensing cotton classifiers, establishing cotton standards, and making classification services available to cotton producers; (2) performing tobacco inspections; and (3) inspecting warehouses and licensing inspectors and warehousemen. Amends the Naval Stores Act with respect to the marketing of spirits of turpentine and resin to require user fees, collected from processors and warehousers, to cover the costs of establishment of standards, examinations, and related services.

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to set interest rates on Farmers Home Administration loans for water and waste disposal and for community facilities as high as the current market yield for outstanding municipal obligations. Provides for up to a five percent interest rate for such projects in low-income communities. Limits the authorized insurable amount for such loans for fiscal year 1982.

Requires the interest rates on non-guaranteed loans for non-farm uses of prime farmland to be two percent per annum higher than would otherwise be applicable.

Establishes eligibility for emergency (disaster) loans at 30 percent production loss. Limits the basis of such loans to 80 percent of the total loss.

Establishes a five per cent interest rate (not less than two percent in a case of extreme financial hardship) for insured electric and telephone loans under the Rural Electrification Act, effective July 24, 1981. Requires the Federal Financing Bank to make a loan guaranteed by the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration upon the request of any borrower.

Limits, for fiscal year 1982, the amount of Commodity Credit Corporation funds which can be made available for administrative expenses of such Corporation.

Title II: Armed Services and Defense Related Programs - Authorizes the President to dispose of specified quantities of certain materials currently held in the National Defense Stockpile. Authorizes appropriations for the acquisition of strategic and critical materials.

Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to require, before any funds may be obligated or expended for acquisition of any material, transmittal of a complete statement of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate congressional committees.

Provides for annual, instead of semiannual, cost-of-living increases for military retirees contingent upon a similar change in law with respect to the civil service retirement system.

Provides military retirees with an open enrollment period for participating in the survivor benefit plan.

Title III: Banking, Housing, and Related Programs - Subtitle A: Housing and Community Development - Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes.

Requires potential grantees to submit a statement of activities relative to the use of requested funds and sets forth certain eligible activities under such Act. Provides procedures and criteria for the allocation and distribution of housing funds. Authorizes the set-aside of a specific amount for the discretionary fund. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age or handicap for programs or activities under such Act. Sets forth the amount available for the urban development action grants and eligibility criteria for such grants.

Amends the National Housing Act to extend for one year all of the mortgage insuring authorities of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Extends, through fiscal year 1982, the flexible interest rate authority.

Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to limit the aggregate amount of guarantee commitments the Government National Mortgage Association may make during fiscal year 1982.

Directs the Government National Mortgage Association, in entering into commitments to purchase below-market tandem plan mortgages (during the period beginning June 15, 1981, and ending October 1, 1982), to limit such commitments to multifamily projects with firm commitment for mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act.

Amends the National Housing Act to increase the maximum loan limits on property improvements for existing single family structures or manufactured homes. Increases home improvement loan limits for houses to be used as an apartment house for two or more families.

Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop and implement a demonstration program utilizing lower cost building technology for projects located in intercity vacant lots.

Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the flood insurance program through fiscal year 1982.

Prohibits provisions of flood insurance coverage for any new construction or substantial improvements of structures located on designated undeveloped coastal barriers.

Amends the National Housing Act to extend the crime and riot reinsurance program through fiscal year 1985.

Amends the National Housing Act of 1949 to extend the rural housing program through fiscal year 1982. Extends the mutual and self-help housing program.

Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1981 - Provides a uniform nonjudicial procedure, which preempts specified State laws, for foreclosing FHA-insured or HUD-assisted multifamily properties which are held by HUD and which are in default.

Subtitle B: Banking and Related Programs - Banking and Related Programs Authorization Adjustment Act - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to set the principal amount of direct loans made by the Export-Import Bank in fiscal year 1982. Authorizies appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to the Department of the Treasury for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit a report to Congress regarding the status of negotiations within the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development on improving the International Arrangement on Guidelines for Officially Supported Export Credits and on the status of any other multilateral or bilateral negotiations or discussions.

Amends the Council on Wage and Price Stability Act to repeal the authorization of appropriations for the Council on Wage and Price Stabilization.

Specifies that manufactured homes are considered "real estate" for the purposes of the override of state usury laws provided in the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act.

Subtitle C: National Consumers Cooperative Bank Act Amendments of 1981 - Provides for the conversion of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank from a mixed ownership Government corporation to a private bank owned and controlled by its cooperative stockholders and eligible to borrow funds in the private market.

Title IV: The District of Columbia - Amends the District of Columbia Self Government and Governmental Organization Act to limit through fiscal year 1984 the authorized levels of capital project loans to the District of Columbia.

Title V: Education Programs - Omnibus Education Reconciliation Act of 1981 - Subtitle A: Authorization Savings for Fiscal Years 1982, 1983, and 1984 - Reduces the amount of Federal impact aid to school districts with high concentrations of federal employees (including military) for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Prescribes formulae for the allocation of such aid.

Terminates or limits the authorization for other specified aid to education programs for such fiscal years.

Terminates or reduces the authorizations for other specified Acts under the jurisdiction of the Education and Labor Committee.

Subtitle B: Student Assistance Provisions - Postsecondary Student Assistance Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to limit the amount of any student loan made after October 1, 1981, which may be covered by Federal loan insurance to the student's financial need for the period of instruction covered by the loan. Sets similar limits on loans insured under State or nonprofit private institutional student loan programs which receive Federal interest subsidy payments. Applies provisions for need analysis to such loans (under the guaranteed student loan program).

Repeals provisions which counted specified student loans as part of the expected family contribution for purposes of other forms of student assistance. Permits loans to parents to be counted as part of the student's expected family contribution in the determination of need for all forms of student assistance under such Act.

Directs the Secretary of Education to set a series of assessment rates to be applied to parental discretionary income in determining the expected family contribution.

Raises the annual interest rate on loans to parents of dependent undergraduate students from nine percent to 14 percent. Sets forth formulas for computing the special allowances to be paid to holders of such loans.

Eliminates the program of payments by the Secretary to institutions to cover the administrative costs of the student loan program (at ten dollars per student lender per academic year).

Provides for the reduction of special allowances to holders of loans made on or after October 1, 1981, by specified amounts of authorized origination fees.

Authorizes eligible lenders, with respect to loans made on or after October 1, 1981, to charge borrowers an origination fee up to five percent of the principal amount of the loan, which may be deducted from the proceeds of the loan prior to payment to the borrower.

Raises the minimum annual repayment on student loans from $360 to $600. Raises from four percent to five percent the interest rate on direct student loans processed after October 1, 1981.

Revises provisions relating to the Student Loan Marketing Association to expand the functions of the Association to: (1) cover student loans including, but no longer limited to insured loans; and (2) assure nationwide the establishment of adequate loan insurance programs for students by providing for an additional program of loan insurance to be covered by agreements with the Secretary. Authorizes the Association to: (1) buy, sell, hold, underwrite, and otherwise deal in tax-exempt obligations issued to make or purchase loans; (2) undertake a program of loan insurance pursuant to specified agreements with the Secretary relating to interest subsidy payments and loan insurance supplemental guaranties; (3) undertake any other activity which its Board of Directors determines to be in furtherance of programs of specified insured student loans or will otherwise support student credit needs; and (4) undertake any activity with regard to student loans which are not insured or guaranteed student loans. Subjects such loans to the same provisions, relating to warehousing advances made on loan security, as insured loans. Specifies that: (1) the obligations of the Association shall be deemed to be obligations of the United States, for purposes of exemption from State or local taxation; and (2) the Association shall be deemed a person for purposes of distribution of its property under the Bankruptcy Act.

Removes certain limitations on subrogration of the United States to rights of any insurance beneficiary under specified student loan guarantee agreements. Requires guarantee agencies to assign to the Secretary any loan for which payment has been made under such guarantee agreements, whenever the Secretary determines this necessary to protect the Federal fiscal interest.

Amends the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 to extend the coverage of such Act to any alien who: (1) has been admitted into the United States as a refugee; (2) has been paroled into the United States as a refugee; (3) is an applicant for asylum, or has been granted asylum in the United States ; (4) has fled from the alien's country of origin and has, pursuant to an Executive order of the President, been permitted to enter and remain in the United States indefinitely for humanitarian reasons; or (5) entered the United States on or after November 1, 1979, and is in the United States with the immigration status of a Cuban-Haitian entrant (status pending). Limits such coverage to the five-year period beginning on the date the alien first entered the United States as such a refugee or otherwise acquired such status.

Eliminates fiscal year restrictions for authorizations of appropriations for all programs under such Act.

Eliminates fiscal year restrictions on general assistance through State agencies for local educational agencies under such Act. Extends such assistance based on the number of refugees enrolled in elementary or secondary public schools (formerly only for Cuban or Haitian refugee children). Lowers the amount of such assistance. Revises provisions relating to the reduction of such grants to State and local agencies, based on amounts received under other Federal assistance programs.

Eliminates fiscal year restrictions on payments to States of special impact assistance for substantial increases in refugee attendance. Revises the formula for such assistance.

Extends coverage of adult education programs under such Act to all refugees 16 years or older (formerly only Cuban and Haitian refugee adults). Directs the Secretary to make payments to States for such programs for each fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1981. Revises provisions relating to the reduction of the amount of any such grant, based on amounts received under other Federal aid programs.

Subtitle D: Elementary and Secondary Education Block Grant - Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 - Chapter I: Financial Assistance to Meet Special Education Needs of Disadvantaged Children - Provides assistance on the basis of entitlements created under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, through fiscal year 1987, to States and local educational agencies to meet the special needs of educationally deprived children. Requires each State and local educational agency to use such payments for programs and projects which are designed to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived children. Sets forth the procedure for approval of applications for such payments.

Sets forth provisions to provide for the participation in such special educational programs by children enrolled in private schools.

Chapter 2: Consolidation of Federal Programs for Elementary and Secondary Education - Declares that it is the purpose of this part to consolidate the program authorizations contained in titles II through VI and VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and supporting authorizations contained in other Acts, into a single authorization of grants to States for the same purposes as set forth in such titles, but to be used in accordance with the educational needs and priorities of State and local educational agencies as determined by such agencies.

Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal year 1982, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this part.

Sets forth the information a State must submit in its application to receive a grant.

Sets forth the procedure for the allocation of such grants to local education agencies.

Subchapter A: Basic Skills Development - Provides funds to State and local educational agencies to develop and implement a comprehensive and coordinated program designed to improve elementary and secondary school instruction in the basic skills of reading, mathematics, and written and oral communication.

Subchapter B: Educational Improvement and Support Services - Permits State and local educational agencies to use Federal funds to carry out activities relating to educational improvement, resources, support, State leadership, emergency school aid, precollege science teacher training, and the Teacher Corps and teacher centers.

Subchapter C: Special Projects - Permits State and local educational agencies to use Federal funds to carry out activities relating to special projects.

Subchapter D: Secretary's Discretionary Funds - Authorizes the Secretary to carry out directly or through grants or contracts with State and local educational agencies programs and projects of a specified nature.

Subchapter E: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions to ensure a maintenance of effort between State and Federal expenditures for educational programs, and for the participation of children enrolled in private schools.

Chapter 3: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions concerning Federal regulations, withholding of payments, judicial review, and the availability of appropriations for programs and activities authorized under this subtitle.

Title VI: Human Services Programs - Subtitle A: Authorizations Savings for Fiscal Years 1982, 1983, and 1984 - Chapter 1 - General Provisions - Declares that no funds are authorized to be appropriated in excess of the limitations imposed upon appropriations by the provisions of this subtitle.

Chapter 2 - Education of the Handicapped Programs - Authorizes appropriations through 1983 to carry out specified parts of the Education of the Handicapped Act.

Chapter 3 - Vocational Rehabilitation Programs - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 through fiscal year 1983. Limits appropriations for specified programs under such Act.

Chapter 4 - Other Handicapped Programs and Services - Limits the total amount of appropriations to carry out the following programs and services through fiscal year 1984: (1) American Printing House for the Blind; (2) Gallaudet College; (3) Kendall School; (4) Model Secondary School for the Deaf; (5) National Technical Institute for the Deaf Act.

Chapter 5 - Older American Programs - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Older Americans Act of 1965 through fiscal year 1982.

Chapter 6 - Domestic Volunteer Service Program - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to carry out specified programs under such Act through fiscal year 1983.

Chapter 7 - Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs - Authorizes appropriations to make grants to States under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act through fiscal year 1983.

Chapter 8 - Community Services Programs - Subchapter A - Community Economic Development - Community Economic Development Act of 1981 - Provides for the development of special programs by which the residents of urban and rural low-income areas may, with appropriate Federal assistance, improve the quality of the economic and social participation in community life in such a way as to contribute to the elimination of poverty and the establishment of permanent economic and social benefits. Authorizes the President to establish a National Advisory Community Investment Board to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services, community development corporations, and private investors and businesses of opportunities for investment in community development projects.

Part 1 - Urban and Rural Special Impact Programs - Establishes special programs of assistance to nonprofit private locally initiated community development corporations which are directed to the solution of the critical problems existing in particular communities or neighborhoods within urban and rural areas having concentrations or substantial numbers of low-income persons. Sets forth the requirements for such financial assistance.

Part 2 - Special Rural Programs - Provides financial assistance to any low-income rural family where such financial assistance has a reasonable possibility of effecting a permanent increase in the income of such families or will contribute to the improvement of their living or housing conditions.

Part 3 - Development Loans to Community Economic Development Programs - Provides for the establishment of a Model Community Economic Development Finance Corporation to provide a user-controlled independent and professionally operated long-term financing vehicle with the purpose of providing financial support for community economic development corporations, cooperatives, other affiliated and supportive agencies and organizations associated with community economic development corporations, and other entities eligible for assistance.

Part 4 - Supportive Programs and Activities - Provides financial assistance for training and technical assistance as required to effectively implement the purposes of this Subchapter.

Subchapter B - Head Start Program - Head Start Act - Extends the authority for the appropriation of funds for the Head Start program. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for such program.

Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide financial assistance to a designated Head Start agency for the planning, conduct, administration, and evaluation of a Head Start program focused primarily upon children from low-income families who have not reached the age of compulsory school attendance. Sets forth limitations on such assistance.

Sets forth the powers and functions of Head Start agencies and administrative requirements and standards.

Subchapter C- Follow Through Programs - Follow Through Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to local education agencies for the purpose of carrying out Follow Through programs focused primarily on children from low-income families in kindergarten and primary grades.

Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out such programs.

Subtitle B: Community Services Block Grant Program - Community Services Block Grant Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to ameliorate the causes of poverty in communities within such States.

Authorizes appropriations to carry out such grants for fiscal year 1982 and each of the four succeeding fiscal years.

Establishes, in the Department of Health and Human Services, an Office of Community Services to carry out the functions of this Act.

Title VII: Employment Programs - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to authorize appropriations to carry out specified provisions of such Act in fiscal year 1982. Permits the transfer of 20 percent of funds between the youth program and the summer youth program.

Title VIII: School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program - Amends the National School Lunch Act to make changes in general assistance reimbursement rates for school lunches and breakfasts. Reduces the cash value of commodity assistance for school lunches and provides for the adjustment of such value each July 1 to reflect changes in the Price Index for Food Used in Schools and Institutions.

Provides for a revision of income eligibility guidelines for determining eligibility for free and reduced-price lunches.

Terminates the Federal assistance for food service equipment.

Reduces the authorization of appropriations for nutrition education and training program grants for fiscal year 1981 and each subsequent fiscal year.

Excludes from the definition of "school" for the purposes of such Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 those private schools whose average yearly tuition exceeds a specified amount.

Limits sponsorship of summer food service programs to public or private nonprofit school food authorities, local, municipal or county government, and residential nonprofit summer camps.

Makes revisions in the child care food programs for children in outside school hour day care programs.

Limits the authorization of appropriations for the special supplemental food program (WIC) through fiscal year 1984.

Expands the commodity only assistance program and provides for cash assistance to schools that do not participate in the school lunch program but receive commodities made available for use in a nonprofit school lunch program.

Title IX: Health Services and Facilities - Subtitle A: Block Grants - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title, Title XIX - Block Grants. Establishes a preventive health and health services block grant. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out such grants. Sets forth the activities for which such funds may be used, the allotment formula and the application requirements.

Authorizes appropriations for the establishment of an Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grant, and a Primary Care Block Grant through fiscal year 1984. Sets forth the allotment formula and application requirements for such grants.

Subtitle B: Developmental Disabilities - Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to provide for an extension of specified programs under such Act through fiscal year 1984.

Subtitle C: Health Services Research, Statistics, Technology, Medical Libraries, and National Research Services Awards - Amends the Public Health Service Act to limit the authorization of appropriations for health services research, statistics, and technology by the National Health Service Corps through fiscal year 1984.

Revises the procedures for granting National Research Service Awards.

Subtitle D: Categorical Programs - Amends the Public Health Service Act to limit the authorization of appropriations for grants to States to assist in meeting the costs of the following programs through fiscal year 1984: (1) preventive health service programs; (2) prevention and control of venereal diseases; (3) the program for migrant health centers; and (4) family planning programs.

Subtitle E: Health Planning - Amends the Public Health Service Act to limit to fiscal year 1982 the authorization of appropriations to State health systems agencies for health planning.

Permits pay rates to be alternatively fixed for individuals or families by groups under the "community rating system" definition. Sets forth the actuarial factors to be considered.

Makes private HMOs, that are not nonprofit, eligible for initial operation cost loans and loan guarantees. Increases the aggregate and 12-month amount of such loans and guarantees and extends their availability through fiscal year 1986.

Repeals the provision prohibiting cumulative loan guarantees to a private HMO to exceed fund obligations in any fiscal year.

Revises current loan authority for ambulatory care facility construction and acquisition. Requires an HMO to have: (1) revenues which exceed its cost; and (2) independent loan sources if necessary.

Subtitle G: Adolescent Family Life - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a Title XX - Adolescent Family Life Demonstration Projects. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to support services and research relating to adolescent pregnancy and parenthood. Includes within such services: (1) pregnancy testing and maternity counseling; (2) adoption counseling; (3) health services including prenatal and pediatric care; (4) education and family planning; and (5) other related health, referral, and education services.

Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984.

Directs that between one and three percent of such appropriations be used for program evaluation.

Prohibits funds under this Act from being used for abortion related purposes.

Subtitle H - Alcohol and Drug Programs - Chapter 1 - Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation - Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States, through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, for the demonstration of new and more effective alcohol abuse and alcoholism prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs.

Subtitle I: Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - Consumer - Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with specified Federal and State agencies and professional groups, to establish Federal minimum standards for: (1) accreditation of educational programs to train individuals to perform radiologic procedures; and (2) certification of persons who administer radiologic procedures. Requires the Secretary to provide a model State law for radiologic procedure safety and to promulgate Federal radiation guidelines with respect to radiologic procedures.

Subtitle J - Orderly Closure, Transfer, and Financial Self-Sufficiency of Public Health Service Hospitals and Clinics - Provides for the closure, by October 31, 1981, of Public Health Service hospitals and clinics which cannot be transferred to State, local, or private operation or become financially self-sufficient and for the transfer or achievement of financial self-sufficiency by September 30, 1982, of those hospitals and clinics which can be so transferred or which can achieve such financial self-sufficiency.

Provides transitional assistance for merchant seamen whose entitlement to receive free care through Public Health Service hospitals and clinics is repealed and who are hospitalized at the end of fiscal year 1981 and require continuing hospitalization.

Subtitle K - Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services - Limits the authorization of appropriations for the immediate office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services through fiscal year 1984.

Title X - Energy and Energy-Related Programs - Subtitle A: Department of Energy Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy through fiscal year 1984 for: (1) civilian research and development; (2) conservation, information, and regulation; and (3) other related activities.

Subtitle B: Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 Provisions - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal the provision of such Act which prohibits electric utilities from burning natural gas after 1990. Allows voluntary certification by a powerplant of its capacity to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source. Permits the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of petroleum or natural gas by a powerplant if coal or alternate fuel capability exists.

Subtitle C: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Strategic Petroleum Reserve Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to increase the average annual fill rate for crude oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from 100,000 to 300,000 barrels per day, until at least 750,000,000 barrels are in storage.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a special account in the Treasury, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account, into which shall be deposited: (1) such funds as the Secretary finds are necessary to implement authorities under this Act or the Energy Security Act; and (2) receipts from the sale of petroleum during any drawdown and distribution of the Reserve.

Subtitle E: Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System - Limits the authorization of appropriations for the Office of Federal Inspection for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System through fiscal year 1984.

Subtitle F: Biomass Energy and Alcohol Fuels - Amends the Biomass Energy and Alcohol Fuels Act of 1980 to reduce the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1981 to carry out such Act.

Title XI: Transportation and Related Programs - Subtitle A - Aviation - Fiscal Year 1981 Airport Development Authorization Act - Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for airport development, planning and noise abatement programs in fiscal year 1981.

Subtitle B: Highways and Highway Safety - Limits the total obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.

Authorizes appropriations to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, out of the Highway Trust Fund, for carrying out highway safety programs in fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984.

Subtitle C: Public Mass Transportation - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to reduce the authorization of appropriations for public mass transportation projects for fiscal year 1982.

Subtitle D: Railroad Retirement and Related Matters - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to direct that an individual who has completed 25 years of service shall be deemed to have "current connection" with the railroad industry for retirement purposes under such Act.

Provides spouses' and widows' benefits to a divorced spouse of an annuitant under specified conditions. Revises the computation of employee, spouse, and survivor annuities with respect to railroad employees who as of December 31, 1974, had at least ten years service and were fully insured under the Social Security Act.

Provides for the application of the social security rules in calculating post-retirement annuity increases or decreases for an early retiree whose benefit was reduced by reason of an early entitlement.

Subtitle E: Conrail - Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 - Part I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress with regard to freight and commuter rail service in the Midwest and Northeast United States.

Part 2: Transfer of Rail Service Responsibilities - Subpart A: Transfer of Conrail Commuter Services - Relieves Conrail of all obligations to operate commuter service as of January 1, 1983.

Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to establish the Amtrak Commuter Services Corporation as a wholly owned subsidiary of Conrail. Declares that Amtrak Commuter shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government but a contract operator of commuter service.

States the applicability of specified laws to Amtrak Commuter. Exempts Amtrak Commuter from payment of certain taxes. Sets forth corporate and financial structure of Amtrak Commuter. Authorizes Amtrak Commuter to issue common stock to Amtrak.

Authorizes Amtrak Commuter to: (1) own, operate, or contract for the operation of commuter service; (2) conduct research and development; and (3) acquire by purchase, gift, or by contracting for the use of physical facilities and equipment necessary to commuter service operations.

Authorizes Amtrak Commuter to operate commuter service under agreements with commuter authorities. Directs Amtrak Commuter to operate commuter service which Conrail was obligated to provide on the effective date of this Act. Requires that any agreement for such service shall be made in accordance with regulations issued by the Rail Services Planning Office.

Allows Amtrak Commuter to discontinue commuter service to such authorities under certain conditions.

Describes the methods by which Conrail or Amtrak Commuter is to be compensated for right-of-way related costs for service over the Northeast corridor and other Conrail properties.

Requires the Board of Directors of Amtrak Commuter to develop and recommend to Conrail: (1) policies that insure equitable access to the Northeast corridor; and (2) equitable policies for the Northeast corridor in regard to dispatching, maintenance, and capital facility investment. Authorizes the Board to recommend to the President and to Conrail such actions as are necessary to resolve differences among railroads and State and local commuter authorities.

Prescribes terms for the transfer of commuter service and properties to Amtrak Commuter.

Prohibits funds appropriated under such Act for the payment of operating and capital expenses of intercity rail passenger service from being used for commuter service by Amtrak Commuter.

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to be allocated to certain commuter authorities.

Subpart B: Additional Financing of Conrail - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to set forth criteria for purchases of Conrail stock by the United States Railway Association. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for such purchases of stock and accounts receivable.

Reorganizes the structure of Conrail, including the Board of Directors.

Directs the Secretary to approve or disapprove, within 90 days, a Conrail application for permission to substitute manual block signal systems for automatic systems on certain lines.

Subpart C - Transfer of Freight Service Responsibilities - Directs the Secretary to develop a plan for the sale of Conrail properties. Requires that such plan shall: (1) ensure continued service; (2) promote competitive bidding; and (3) maximize the return to the United States on its investment.

Provides for veto of such proposed sale by disapproval by either House of Congress within 90 days.

Describes the obligations of an assignee to whom such conveyance is made.

Part 3: Protection for Conrail Employees - Directs the Secretary of Labor and the representatives of the various classes of Conrail employees to enter into agreements providing protection for such employees. Declares that any eligible Conrail employee who is transferred to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or Amtrak Commuter shall remain eligible for such benefits. Sets forth procedures for employee terminations and the payment of termination allowances.

Describes preferential hiring procedures to be followed by rail carriers.

Directs the Railroad Retirement Board to maintain a register of persons separated from railroad employment in the railroad industry. Directs Conrail to provide the Board names of former employees who elect to appear on such register. Terminates such register and employee placement assistance three years after the effective date of this Act.

Provides for the election and treatment of benefits by protected employees.

Grants Conrail the right to assign, reassign, and consolidate work, formerly performed on the rail properties acquired from a railroad in reorganization, to any location or position on its system if it does not remove such work from a collective bargaining agreement. Limits such authority to the period during which benefits are provided under this Act.

Permits Conrail to subcontract for work that cannot be performed by its employees, with specified exceptions.

Requires that a new collective-bargaining agreement be negotiated between Conrail and representatives of the employees of a railroad in reorganization.

Directs Conrail, Amtrak, or an acquiring carrier to process and pay employee and personal injury claims. Provides for direct reimbursement by the Association for such claims.

Limits Federal and Conrail liability under such collective bargaining agreements.

Prohibits a State from enforcing any law, rule, or standard that requires a specified number of employees to perform a particular task or to pay protective benefits to employees.

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for such termination allowances and claims.

Repeals Title V (Employee Protection) of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and specified sections of the Milwaukee Railroad Restructuring Act and the Rock Island Railroad Transition and Employee Assistance Act.

Part 4: Terms of Labor Assumption - Subpart A: Passenger Employees - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to describe criteria by which Conrail employees shall be transferred to Amtrak Commuter. Provides for the appointment of a neutral referee if an agreement in regard to such transfer cannot be reached within 30 days. Makes such referee's decision final and binding.

Protects employees of Conrail who are not offered employment with Amtrak Commuter to same extent as if such employees had remained in the employ of Conrail.

Requires that Amtrak Commuter and the employees transferred to it under this Act enter into new collective bargaining agreements with regard to rates of pay, rules, and working conditions.

Directs Amtrak Commuter and the representatives of such transferred employees to establish a fact-finding panel for purposes of recommending changes in operating practices and procedures.

Subpart B: Freight Employees - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to set forth procedures by which Conrail employees shall be transferred to other rail carriers.

Part 5: United States Railway Association - Revises: (1) the membership of the United States Railway Association's Board of Directors; and (2) the functions of the Association.

Directs the Association to report to Congress concerning: (1) the amount of additional funds made available to Conrail; (2) Conrail's progress in meeting the requirements of this Act; and (3) the funds available for additional purchases of Conrail stock.

Directs Conrail to make necessary information available to the Association so that it may carry out its functions under this Act.

Designates as an Advisory Board to the Association those members of its Board of Directors who are serving on the day before the effective date of this Act.

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the administrative expenses of the Association.

Part 6: Miscellaneous Provisions - Grants original and exclusive jurisdiction to the special court over specified civil actions concerning this Act, including injunctive and declaratory relief. Declares that the judgments of the special court shall be reviewable only by the Supreme Court.

Exempts transfers or conveyances of any interest in rail property under this Act from taxes or other levies imposed by the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof.

Prohibits the distribution of any Conrail assets in regard to claims of the United States until all other claims against Conrail have been satisfied.

Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct the Secretary, within 120 days of the effective date of this Act, to petition the special court for an order to transfer all Conrail properties in Connecticut and Rhode Island to another railroad in the region. Makes any employee deprived of employment as a result of such transfer eligible for specified benefits.

Authorizes Conrail to file with the Interstate Commerce Commission a notice of insufficient revenues or an application for a certificate of abandonment for any Conrail line. Directs the Commission to approve such applications unless other financial assistance is offered to the rail line in question.

Amends the Railway Labor Act to establish procedures for handling disputes between a publicly funded and operated carrier providing rail commuter service and its employees.

Directs the Commission, within 120 days of the date of enactment of this Act, to determine costing methodology for compensation to Amtrak for the right-of-way related costs for the operation of commuter rail passenger service and rail freight service over the Northeast corridor and other properties owned by Amtrak. Prohibits judicial review of such determination by the Commission.

Declares that any cost reductions resulting from the provisions of this Act shall not be used to limit: (1) the maximum level of any rate charged by Conrail; (2) the amount of any increase in such rates; and (3) a surcharge or cancellation that is otherwise lawful.

Requires the Corporation to issue preferred stock to the Secretary of Transportation in consideration for further Federal financial assistance.

Prohibits Amtrak from being charged for the cost of any customs inspection or immigration procedure in connection with the provision of Amtrak services.

Directs Amtrak to eliminate the deficit in its onboard food and beverage operations by September 30, 1982.

Exempts Amtrak from State and local taxes to the same extent as the United States is so exempt.

Revises the number and type of reports to be transmitted by Amtrak and the Interstate Commerce Commission to Congress and the President.

Increases the percentage of costs to be paid by a State or group of States for rail service beyond the basic system.

Sets forth criteria by which fare increases shall be proposed and become effective.

Directs Amtrak to submit amendments to the Route and Service Criteria to Congress.

Requires Amtrak to review annually each route in the basic system (formerly long distance routes only) to determine whether specified criteria are being met. Discontinues those lines that fail to meet such criteria.

Directs Amtrak to evaluate the financial requirements for operating the basic rail service system with route additions.

Requires that notice of any discontinuance of service shall afford an opportunity for a State, group of States, Agency, or other person to agree to share the cost of such service or a portion thereof.

Directs Amtrak to continue high frequency intercity rail passenger service under agreements with States or transportation agencies if such service meets certain criteria.

Extends the availability of free or reduced rail transportation for specified employees.

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the purposes of such Act.

Limits, to a specified sum, Amtrak's expenditures for food and beverage operations.

Increases the amount of funds available for purchase and rehabilitation loans.

Directs Amtrak, by June 1, 1982, to report to Congress its recommendations concerning the development of rail corridors.

Subtitle G: Miscellaneous - Chapter 1: Local Rail Assistance - Amends the Department of Transportation Act to reduce the authorization of appropriations for local rail assistance through fiscal year 1984. Reduces the Federal share of costs of rail service assistance programs to 70 percent (presently 80 percent). Revises the procedure for consideration of applications for rail freight assistance.

Chapter 2 - Northeast Corridor - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to complete the Northeast Corridor improvement project in accordance with the goals of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to the extent of funds authorized under such Act. Limits the authorization of appropriations for such purposes through fiscal year 1983.

Chapter 3: Department of Transportation - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Transportation through fiscal year 1984 for: (1) official reception and representation expenses; (2) research and development activities; (3) the collection of national transportation statistics; and (4) the Minority Business Resource Center.

Chapter 5 - Interstate Commerce Commission - Limits the authorization of appropriations for the necessary expenses of the Interstate Commerce Commission through fiscal year 1984.

Chapter 6 - Transportation Research - Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Department of Transportation for expenses necessary to discharge the functions of the Research and Special Programs Administration through fiscal year 1984.

Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to terminate a rulemaking proceeding upon a determination that a voluntary standard submitted as the result of an invitation is likely to eliminate or adequately reduce the risk of injury. Authorizes the Commission to develop proposed consumer product safety rule only if the voluntary standard would not reduce risk of injury or result in compliance. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substance Act, and the Flammable Fabrics Act to require the Commission to prepare regulatory impact analysis containing specified information, including cost benefit analysis, before publishing or promulgating a consumer product safety rule.

Requires the Commission to find that compliance with a voluntary standard is unlikely to result in elimination of risk or that substantial compliance with such a standard is unlikely, before promulgating a regulation with respect to which persons have formulated a voluntary standard.

Eliminates the Product Safety Advisory Council, the National Advisory Committee for the Flammable Fabric Act, and the technical advisory committee authorized under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970.

Deems as confidential and prohibits the disclosure of information obtained by the Commission which is not in the public domain or which the Commission in good faith has obligated itself not to disclose. Prescribes procedures for the release of information deemed non-confidential or disclosable under fair circumstances.

Repeals the provision authorizing interested persons to petition the Commission for issuance, amendment, or revocation of a consumer product safety rule.

Directs the Commission to: (1) amend its consumer product safety standard for walk-behind lawn mowers to provide that manually started rotary mowers which have specified characteristics shall be considered in compliance; and (2) report on the effect of such amendment within 24 months after the standard becomes effective.

Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to exclude as "consumer products" for the purposes of such Act amusement park rides which are permanently fixed to a site.

Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to review the current provision requiring that a hazardous substance sold by a manufacturer distributor, or dealer be repurchased. Authorizes the Commission to order a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer to give public or private notice of the hazardous substance, or to repair it, replace it, or refund the price of such substance.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Consumer Product Safety Commission in reduced amounts for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.

Subtitle B: Communication - Chapter 1: Public Broadcasting - Public Broadcasting Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Permits facilities for which construction grants are being sought to be used for purposes other than the provision of public telecommunications service, if such purposes do not interfere with the provision of such service. Reduces the membership of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from 15 to 11. Makes the President of the corporation the Chairman of the Board. Reduces the term of office of each member from six to five years. Requires Board members to attend at least half the Board meetings per year or else forfeit their membership. Requires the President to fill a forfeited seat within a specified time. Requires the Board members to elect annually a Vice Chairman (rather than a Chairman). Increases the rate of daily compensation, but places a ceiling on the amount of compensation any member may receive in any one fiscal year. Prohibits any Corporation officer except the Vice Chairman from receiving any compensation from any source other than the Corporation for services rendered during such officer's employment by the Corporation.

Requires the Corporation to submit to Congress in May, rather than February, an annual report detailing the Corporation's activities.

Authorizes appropriations to the Public Broadcasting Fund for fiscal years 1984 through 1986. Requires disbursements from such Fund for fiscal years 1984 through 1986. Requires disbursements from such Fund to be made on an annual rather than a quarterly basis. Directs the Corporation to establish an annual budget for use in allocating amounts from the Fund. Limits the amount available for: (1) the Corporation's administrative expenses to five percent of such allocation; (2) other Corporation expenses to not less than five percent of such allocation; (3) distribution among public television station licensees, for contracts for independent production of public television programming and for acquisition of such programs, to 75 percent of the remainder; and (4) distribution among public radio station licensees, for contracts for production of public radio programs and for acquisition of such programs, to 25 percent of the remainder. Requires the Corporation to defray 50 percent of the costs of interconnection facilities and operations. Requires a substantial amount of the funds utilized for contracts for production of public television and radio programs and for acquisition of such programs to be reserved for distribution to independent producers.

Requires the Corporation, in consultation with public radio stations and with National Public Radio, to determine the allocation of funds for public radio stations and to review annually the criteria for such allocations.

Requires each public broadcast station to assure that: (1) its advisory board meets at regular intervals; (2) the members of such board regularly attend board meetings and (3) the members of such board are reasonably representative of the needs and interests of the community.

Authorizes public broadcast stations to broadcast announcements using any business or institutional logogram and referring to the location of the organization involved provided such announcements do not interrupt regular programming. Authorizes any such station to offer services, facilities, or products in exchange for remuneration, except that no such station may use its facilities for broadcasting an advertisement. Prohibits the use of funds distributed by the Corporation to defray the costs associated with offering services, facilities, or products for remuneration. Requires each such station which offers services, facilities, or products for remuneration to develop an accounting system to identify remuneration for or costs related to such activities and to account for such amounts separately from other receipts.

Directs that a study be conducted on alternative financing for public telecommunications entities.

Establishes the Temporary Commission on Alternative Financing for Public Telecommunications. Requires the Commission to establish a demonstration program to determine the feasibility of permitting public television and radio licensees to broadcast advertising announcements. Sets forth the manner of, and criteria for, such demonstration project.

Chapter 2 - Television and Radio Broadcasting - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the license terms for radio from the present three year period to seven years, and for television from three to five years.

Provides for the granting of certain radio or television broadcast licenses and permits based on a system of random selection.

Sets forth special requirements relating to broadcasting station license applications if there are pending before the Commission two or more applications for a license.

Specifies that the Commission shall have a Managing Director who shall perform such administrative and executive functions as the Chairman shall delegate. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report to the Congress containing specified material.

Requires the Commission to complete the rulemaking proceeding relating to the revision of the uniform system of accounts used by telephone companies as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Subchapter B - National Telecommunications and Information Administration - Authorizes appropriations to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for administration for fiscal year 1982.

Subtitle C: Department of Commerce - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Commerce for expenses necessary for general administration through fiscal year 1984.

Title XIII: International Affairs - Subtitle A - Public Law 480 - Limits the authorization of appropriations for programs under title I and title II of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 through fiscal year 1984.

Subtitle B: International Development Banks - Part 1 - International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to authorize the United States Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to increase the authorized capital stock of such Bank and to subscribe on behalf of the United States to a specified number of shares.

Part 2 - International Development Association - Amends the International Development Association Act to authorize the United States Governor to agree on behalf of the United States to pay the International Development Association a specified sum as the United States contribution to the sixth replenishment of the resources of the Association.

Part 3: African Development Bank - African Development Bank Act - Authorizes the President to accept membership for the United States in the African Development Bank. Directs the President to appoint a Governor and an Alternate Governor of such Bank. Provides for subscription of stock. Exempts securities issued by such Bank from the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Part 4 - Inter-American Development Bank and Asian Development Bank - Amends the Inter-American Development Bank Act and the Asian Development Bank Act to the make reduced contributions to such Banks.

Makes any commitment to make such contributions subject to obtaining the necessary appropriations.

Specifies that any future subscription of additional shares in the Asian Development Bank shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts.

Part 5: Targeting Assistance to the Needy; Congressional Consultations - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to consult with representatives of other member countries of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the Asian Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the African Development Bank for the purpose of establishing guidelines within each of those institutions which specify that a specified proportion of the annual lending by each institution shall be designed to benefit needy people.

Requires the Secretary to consult with members of specified congressional committees about international negotiations over future replenishments or capital expansions of any multilateral development bank which may involve increased outlays by the United States.

Subtitle C: Foreign Assistance and Foreign Affairs Agencies - Sets forth limitations on the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the following: (1) American schools and hospitals abroad; (2) international organizations and programs; (3) international narcotics control; (4) international disaster assistance; (5) Inter-American Foundation; (6) Peace Corps; (7) international organizations and conferences - assessed contributions; (8) Board for International Broadcasting; (9) International Communication Agency; and (10) Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

Title XIV: Department of Interior and Related Programs - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Interior for interior programs through fiscal year 1984.

Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for the following: (1) Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (2) Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System; (3) Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation; (4) United States Holocaust Memorial Council; (5) Corps of Engineers; and (6) Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1970.

Title XV - Department of Justice and Related Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for salaries and expenses of the Patent and Trademark Office for fiscal year 1982.

Limits the authorization of appropriations for refugee assistance for fiscal year 1982.

Sets forth limitations on the authorization of appropriations to carry out specified programs under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 through fiscal year 1984.

Title XVI: Maritime and Related Programs - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Commerce for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) payment of obligations incurred for the operating differential subsidy; (2) research and development; and (3) operations and training including reserve fleet expenses and maritime education and training expenses.

Title XVII: Civil Service and Postal Service Programs; Governmental Affairs Generally - Subtitle A: Civil Service Programs - Sets a 4.8 percent pay cap on Federal employees salaries to become effective with the first applicable pay period commencing on or after October 1, 1981.

Provides for the annualization of cost-of-living annuity adjustments for Federal employees.

Sets forth the procedure for making awards to Federal employees for the disclosure of waste, fraud, and mismanagement in the Federal government.

Sets forth the procedure for making a reduction in force in the Senior Executive Service.

Requires the Office of Personnel Management to withhold State income tax from the monthly annuity payment of any annuitant who requests such withholding.

Subtitle B: Savings Under the Postal Service Program - Reduces the public service payment to the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the costs of providing unprofitable services for fiscal years 1982 through 1984.

Requires the continuation of six-day mail delivery through fiscal year 1984.

Reduces the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for the revenue foregone payment subsidies for USPS.

Defers, until fiscal year 1985, the Federal payment to the Postal Service Fund for unfunded liabilities of the old Post Office Department. Prohibits funds for the Postal Service or any executive agency to implement a nine-digit zip code.

Subtitle C: Governmental Affairs Generally - Provides for a reduction in Federal expenditures for consultants and for travel by Federal employees.

Sets forth State reporting requirements to help assure that: (1) block grant funds are allocated for programs of special importance to meet the needs of local governments; and (2) all eligible urban and rural local governments are treated fairly in the distribution of such funds.

Title XVIII: Water Resource Development and Economic Development Programs - Limits the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, for construction of river and harbor, flood control, shore protection, and related authorized projects (other than the project for the Mississippi River and tributaries).

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reduce the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982, and to condition such authorization upon enactment of legislation reforming the municipal sewage treatment construction grant program.

Eliminates the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Tennessee Valley Authority to carry out the North Alabama Coal Gasification Project at Murphy Hill, Alabama.

Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to reduce funding for certain programs under the Economic Development Administration.

Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to reduce the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Title XIX: Small Business - Small Business Budget Reconciliation and Loan Consolidation/Improvement Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to set forth methods, procedures, and criteria for the Small Business Administration in making loans to eligible small businesses. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of this title.

Revises the interest rate on disaster loans for homeowners and business that cannot obtain credit elsewhere.

Title XX: Veterans' Program - Limits, effective October 1, 1981, veterans' burial and funeral expenses benefit to deceased veterans who were entitled to receive Veterans' Administration compensation or pensions.

Revises the outpatient dental benefits for veterans whose dental conditions existed during military duty. Sets forth time limits during which a veteran must apply for such dental benefits.

Terminates the Veterans' Administration authority to provide educational assistance to veterans for flight training and the educational loan program, with specified exceptions.

Reduces the portion of the cost of correspondence training paid by the Veterans' Administration.

Terminates the veterans' education loan program as of October 1, 1982, with specified exceptions.

Title XXI: Medicare, Medicaid, and Maternal and Child Health - Medicare and Medicaid Amendments of 1981 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Medicare and Medicaid - Amends the Social Security Act to permit payments to hospitals to promote the closing and conversion of underutilized hospital facilities.

Amends the Social Security Act to eliminate the occupancy test for hospital long-term care in nonpublic hospitals.

Amends part B (Professional Standards Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services by September 30, 1981, to identify and specify requirements which will be used in assessing a PSRO's performance. States that such requirements shall include requirements relating to the effectiveness of a PSRO in: (1) monitoring the quality of patient care; (2) reducing unnecessary utilization; and (3) managing its activities efficiently. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate the less effective PSRO's during fiscal year 1982. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress relative to PSRO performance assessments.

Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Medicare - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate coverage of alcohol detoxification facilities, under part A (Hospital Insurance).

Provides that Part A coinsurance will be based on the current year's deductible, rather than the deductible effective when the illness began.

Revises the part A, inpatient hospital deductible by adding five dollars to the base figure of $40 used in the formula to determine such deductible.

Prohibits the Secretary, in determining the amount of reimbursements for home health services, from recognizing as reasonable any costs for such services which exceed the 75th percentile of such costs per visit for home health agencies; or, in the judgment of the Secretary, such lower percentile as the Secretary may determine.

Prohibits the Secretary, in determining reimbursements with respect to routine operating costs for inpatient hospital services, from recognizing as reasonable any costs which exceed 108 percent of the mean of such routine operating costs per diem; or , in the judgment of the Secretary, such lower percentage as the Secretary may determine.

Directs the Secretary to provide for a method of determining prospectively the amounts of payments to be made for dialysis services furnished by providers and renal dialysis facilities to individuals in a facility and at home.

Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Medicaid - Amends the Social Security Act to make a reduction in medicaid payments to States through fiscal year 1984.

Eliminates the time period limitation on the payment of interest on disputed medicaid claims.

Eliminates Federal matching grants on laboratory tests not specifically ordered by the attending physician or other responsible practitioner.

Requires the Comptroller General to study the Federal medical assistance percentage formula and the adjustments of target amounts for Federal medicaid expenditures.

Permits the waiver of medicaid requirements as may be necessary for a State to allow a locality to act as a central broker in assisting individuals in selecting among competing health care plans and to share with recipients of medical assistance under the State plan cost savings resulting from use of more cost-effective medical care.

Removes the Medicare reasonable charge limitation. Provides options for the provision of home and community-based care.

Title XXII: Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Amends the Social Security Act to eliminate prospectively the minimum benefit amount used in computing the primary insurance amount.

Limits the payment of lump-sum death benefits to a widow or widower entitled to widow's, widower's or mother's benefits on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of a deceased individual, or in equal shares to each person entitled to child's insurance benefits (currently such benefits may be paid to cover burial expenses of the insured individual).

Provides that in the case of workers retiring at age 62 entitlement benefits begin with the first month throughout all of which the individual is entitled.

Retains the earnings limitations test for persons under age 72 until 1983 (presently scheduled to be lowered to age 70 in 1982).

Terminates a nondisabled's entitlement to child's insurance benefits when such child reaches age 16 (currently such entitlement ceases when a child reaches age 18).

Provides that at each stage in the benefit computation the amount derived is rounded down to the next lower (presently rounded up to the next higher) 10 cents. Provides for the phased elimination of a child's insurance benefits to an individual on the basis of full-time post-secondary school student status.

Delays part of the payment of the cost-of-living increase to October 1982 presently scheduled to be paid in July 1982.

Authorizes reimbursement from the OASDI Trust Funds to a State for vocational rehabilitation service only where the services have resulted in a beneficiary's performance of substantial gainful activity for a continuous nine month period.

Title XXIII: Public Assistance Programs - Subtitle A - Aid to Families with Dependent Children; Child Support Enforcement - Chapter 1 - Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise the method of determining earned income.

Revises the community work experience program. Authorizes a State AFDC plan to require participation in such a program as a condition of AFDC eligibility. Requires such a program, among other things, to: (1) provide appropriate standards for health, safety, and other conditions; (2) not displace currently employed individuals; (3) provide reasonable work conditions; (4) not require unreasonable travel of participants ; (5) be limited to a certain number of hours per month; and (6) provide for transportation and other costs reasonably necessary and directly related to participation in the program.

Permits a State to institute a work supplementation program under which a State, to the extent it determines appropriate, may make jobs available on a voluntary basis, as an alternative to aid otherwise provided under such State plan.

Sets forth the procedure for allowing a State to elect, as an alternative to the work incentive program, to operate a work incentive demonstration program for the purpose of demonstrating single agency administration of the work-related objectives of such Act.

Prohibits AFDC payments in situations where the caretaker relative is participating in a strike.

Limits the term "dependent child" with respect to age to children under age 18 or full-time secondary school students under age 19.

Permits AFDC payments to a pregnant woman, during the expected last month of her pregnancy or within the following three-month period, if the child would be eligible for AFDC.

Eliminates references to "mother" or "father" and refers instead to the "principal wage earner" or "parent or other caretaker of a child" for purposes of determining AFDC eligibility by reason of parental unemployment and the applicability of the WORK registration requirement.

Provides that AFDC eligibility for a month shall be determined on the basis of the family's resources for that month, and that the benefit amount shall be determined on the basis of the income and resources of the preceding month. Requires AFDC families to report their income on a monthly basis.

Prohibits AFDC payments below ten dollars (however, an individual entitled to a payment below ten dollars shall be deemed an AFDC recipient but shall be ineligible to participate in a community work experience program).

Sets forth the procedure for adjustment in the case of any overpayment or underpayment of aid under a State approved plan.

Reduces Federal matching of State and local AFDC personnel training costs.

Sets forth the method for determining eligibility of aliens for AFDC.

Chapter 2: Child Support Enforcement - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide for the collection of past-due child and spousal support from Federal tax refunds.

Provides for a fee to be imposed on any such individual who owes a child or spousal obligation, in accordance with State law, with respect to all such child and spousal support obligations for which collection is made by the State agency on behalf of an individual not otherwise eligible for collection services.

Prohibits the discharge in bankruptcy of a child support obligation assigned to a State as a condition of AFDC eligibility.

Provides for the enforcement of child support agreements in the case of an individual receiving State unemployment compensation.

Subtitle B: Supplemental Security Income - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Act to provide that an individual's monthly eligibility for benefits shall be determined on the basis of the individual's income, resources, and other relevant characteristics in such month, and the amount of monthly benefits on the basis of income and other characteristics in the preceding month. Authorizes the Secretary to redetermine eligibility for and the amount of benefits at other times.

Permits a State to continue to provide food stamps to SSI recipients if specified conditions are complied with.

Repeals the provisions of such Act which provided funding of rehabilitation services for supplemental security income recipients, except with respect to blind and disabled recipients who subsequently perform substantial gainful activity for a continuous period of nine months.

Subtitle C: Block Grants for Social Services - Social Services Block Grant Act - Consolidates Federal assistance to States for social services into a single grant. Authorizes States to provide social services including child care, day care, foster care, protective services, emergency room and board, home management and maintenance, meals, health support services, family planning, transportation, rehabilitation, training, information, referral, and counseling services, and other appropriate community and social services.

Specifies State allotments through fiscal year 1986.

Sets forth grant limitations.

Sets forth reporting and auditing requirements.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide for: (1) training related to the purposes of this Act; and (2) ongoing activities of national or regional significance related to thepurposes of this Act.

Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide full information to workers about the benefits available under such Act.

Revises trade readjustment allowance qualifying requirements, weekly amounts, and limitations on allowances, to require adversely affected workers to accept job training or to actively search for work outside their former employment area if the Secretary determines with respect to the labor market area that: (1) a high level of unemployment exists; (2) suitable employment opportunities are not available; and (3) there are facilities available to provide training in new or related job classifications.

Authorizes the Secretary, with certain restrictions, to defray reasonable transportation and subsistence expenses when training facilities are not within commuting distances. Increases individual job search allowances and relocation allowances.

Waives the requirement that any overpayment must be repaid if: (1) the overpayment was made without fault on the part of an individual; and (2) requiring repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

Subtitle B: Adjustment Assistance for Firms - Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance (including grants) to firms. Prohibits a direct loan to a firm if the loan can be obtained from private sources at a rate no higher than the maximum interest per annum that a participating financial institution may establish on guaranteed loans made pursuant to the Small Business Act.

Revises conditions for financial assistance to a firm.

Provides that direct loans made or guaranteed for the acquisition or development of real property or other capital assets shall ordinarily be secured by a first lien on the assets and shall be fully amortized.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance, up to a specified sum per industry, for the establishment of industry wide programs for new product, process, or export development or other uses consistent with the purposes of the Act.

Extends the termination date of adjustment assistance programs for workers and firms from September 30, 1982, to September 30, 1983.

Title XXVI: Low Income Home Energy Assistance - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 - Authorizes appropriations through 1984 to provide low-income energy grants to States to assist eligible households to meet the costs of home energy.

Sets forth the formula for the payment of such grants to States.

Prohibits the use of such grants for the purchase or improvement of land, or the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement (other than low-cost residential weatherization or other energy-related home repairs) of any building or other facility.

Repeals, effective October 1, 1981, the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980.

Title XXVII: National Health Service Corps; Health Professions Education; Nurse Training - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include as members of the National Health Service Corps individuals who are not employees of the United States.

Revises the procedures for designation of a health manpower shortage area. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate State and local agencies before the proposed designation.

Requires the Secretary to determine that there is a continued demand, as well as need, for manpower before assigning Health Corps personnel to a health manpower shortage area.

Prohibits the Secretary from discriminating against a public entity with respect to waiving the cost sharing requirement for such an entity located in an area in which a significant percentage of individuals are unable to pay for services.

Provides grants for the conduct of programs which are designed to prepare individuals subject to a service obligation under the National Health Service Corps scholarship program to effectively provide health services in the manpower shortage area to which they are assigned.

Extends the National Advisory Council on the Corps through fiscal year 1984.

Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for the Corps.

Revises provisions concerning obligated service and eligibility under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship program.

Sets forth limitations on the use of appropriations for health professions education accredited schools of allied health as defined by such Act.

Amends the Public Health Service Act to define the terms "graduate program in health administration" and "school of allied health" for the purposes of such Act.

Requires the uniform reporting system on health professions data to include information concerning chiropractors and clinical psychologist. Revises the procedure for reporting such health professions data.

Permits health professions education grants to be paid: (1) in advance or by way of reimbursement; (2) at such intervals and on such conditions as the Secretary of Health and Human Services may find necessary; and (3) with appropriate adjustments on account of overpayments or underpayments previously made.

Prohibits grants, loan guarantees, or interest subsidy payments from being made to any school, program, or training center if the tuition levels or education fees at such school are higher for certain students solely on the basis that such students are the recipients of loans, loan guarantees, service scholarships or interest subsidies from the Federal government.

Authorizes the Secretary to make teaching facilities construction grants to assist two-year medical schools to become four-year schools. Authorizes funds for fiscal year 1982 for such grants. Requires an applicant to be an accredited two-year medical school. Extends such loan and interest guarantee program through fiscal year 1984. Permits the Secretary to make all authorized interest subsidy payments on any loan made before October 1, 1981.

Continues the insured loan program to graduate health professions students through fiscal year 1984. Prohibits the insuring of any loan made or installment paid after September 30, 1987 (presently 1982). Increases from $15,000 to $20,000, and from $60,000 to $80,000, the maximum annual and aggregate limits of federally insured loans to graduate students in schools of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry. Permits payment deferral on loan interest, as well as on principal. Extends the period of such deferral for internships and residences from three to four years. Eliminates the existing provisions prohibiting more than 50 percent of the students in each class in schools of medicine, osteopathy or dentistry from having such insured loans. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982, 1984.

Redefines "eligible institution" (for purposes of such loans) to be a school of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, public health or chiropractic, or a graduate program in health administration or clinical psychology.

Authorizes appropriations for projects grants for family medicine departments for fiscal years 1982-1984.

Authorizes appropriations for internal medicine and pediatrics training for fiscal years 1982-1984.

Makes public and private nonprofit entities eligible for such grants. Makes programs for the training of physicians as teachers of internal medicine and pediatrics eligible for such grant support.

Authorizes appropriations for family medicine and dentistry grants for fiscal year 1982-1984.

Authorizes appropriations for grants to provide education assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds for fiscal years 1982-1984.

Eliminates start-up, operational, cooperative interdisciplinary training, conversion, and curriculum grants for new schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, and other health disciplines. Permits schools receiving such grants in fiscal year 1981 to continue to receive assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist two-year medical schools in accelerating the date they will become four-year medical schools. Makes programs and projects for the training of diabetes health professionals and dental school curriculum development eligible for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984.

Authorizes the Secretary to make financial distress grants to schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, public health, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry.

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984 for specified grants to schools of medicine and of other health disciplines.

Makes persons with a baccalaureate degree eligible for public health traineeships (currently must have a postbaccalaureate degree). Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and contract with schools of medicine, osteopathy, and public health for training programs in preventive medicine.

Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences for a study of the physician supply in the United States and how its distribution is affected by patterns of payments by Federal and other third-part payers for physician services.

Authorizes appropriations for nursing school financial distress grants for fiscal years 1982-1984.

Eliminates certain program development projects from eligibility for specified special project grants. Provides that an entity which received a grant for such a project in fiscal year 1981 may receive one additional grant or contracts for such project. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984. Stipulates that at least 20 percent of such funds must be used for persons from disadvantaged backgrounds. Requires that a similar set-aside be made to increase the geographic and specialty distribution of nursing personnel.

Authorizes appropriations for advanced nurse training for fiscal years 1982-1984.

Authorizes appropriations for nurse practitioner programs for fiscal years 1982-1984.

Authorizes appropriations for traineeships for fiscal years 1982-1984. Grants nurse midwives a priority for such grants. Stipulates that at least 25 percent of such annual appropriations shall be obligated for traineeships for teaching in the various nurse training fields.

Extends the student loan program for nursing students through fiscal year 1985. Increases the interest on such loans from three percent to six percent. Terminates the nursing scholarship grant program.

Eliminates the mandatory retirement of the Surgeon General upon reaching the age of 64.

Requires the Surgeon General to be appointed from individuals who: (1) are members of the Regular Corps; and (2) have specialized training or significant experience in public health programs.